Dundee Utd draw in pictures

Motherwell 0 – 0 Dundee Utd

Latest eBay auctions listed now

Dundee United programme preview

TV: McCall expects improved United

U19s game with Inverness postponed

‘Well help kids get safety message

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Officials named for Hibs clash

Monday 28 November 2011

Willie Collum will take charge of Friday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hibs at Fir Park.

Regarded as one of Scotland’s best officials, it will be Willie’s second Motherwell game of the current campaign. His other match, ironically, was Motherwell’s last home meeting with Hibs; Colin Calderwood’s men progressing through to the Quarter Final of the Scottish Communities League Cup on penalty kicks.

He will be a very familiar face to Motherwell fans having taken charge of three games last year.

He was in charge of the Co-operative Insurance Cup Quarter Final clash with Dundee United at Fir Park; Alan Gow’s late goal booking ‘Well’s spot in the Semi Final. He was the man in the middle for the Semi Final too as Rangers scraped past a brave ‘Well side 2-1; Keith Lasley grabbed the goal for the Fir Parkers.

Latterly, he took charge of the 3-3 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle in late April as ‘Well roared back from 3-0 down to secure a point.

In between times, Collum had another excellent season with highlights including three Champions League games in Greece, Germany and Romania, two Europa League games in Germany and Holland as well as the Euro 2012 qualifiers between France and Belarus in Paris and Bulgaria and Switzerland in Sofia.

The season before last, Collum took charge of three Motherwell matches. Jim Gannon’s side crashed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at St Mirren in the Co-operative Cup and followed that with another defeat; by the same score line, at Tannadice some five months later.

However, the most memorable, by far was the 6-6 draw with Hibs at the end of that season.

Incredibly, Motherwell have never won a league game with Collum in charge. The only victories recorded whilst the Bellshill based whistler has been the man in the middle was the then CIS Cup win against Raith Rovers at the start of the 2007/08 season, a Scottish Cup success at Inverurie the following season and the aforementioned win over Dundee Utd last October.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads three wins, eight defeats and three draws from fourteen matches. In those games, Motherwell have scored 23 and conceded 29. 27 players have gone into the book, 14 wearing claret and amber, while two players have been dismissed – Ian Murray of Hibs at Easter Road a few years back and Jerard Aafjes at Falkirk two seasons ago.

Derek Rose and John Gilmour will run the lines with Brian Colvin on fourth official duties. Gerry Evans will be the Referee Observer and Alan Dick will be the SPL delegate.

Archive

Fir Park Football Friday

Saturday 26 November 2011

Motherwell FC are today delighted to confirm ticketing information for the Friday night game with Hibs on December 2nd.

Very little beats the atmosphere under the floodlights at Fir Park and the Hibs match promises to be exciting as the SPL tries out the Friday night experiment.

FREE TICKET FOR SEASON BOOK HOLDERS

Following the fantastic support shown by Season Book holders this season, the Club wants to reward members and widen the Motherwell family.

Our goal is to increase the noise, encouragement and support behind manager Stuart McCall and the team – the importance of the 12th man at Fir Park cannot be underestimated, and we all want as big a crowd as possible in the Phil O’Donnell, Cooper and East Stands – we can all play our part.

This match has been designated a ‘Fir Park Football Friday’, and every Season Book holder has the chance to donate a FREE ticket to the game to a supporter of their choosing.

In order to qualify, Season Book holders should provide the following information in an email (or come to the ticket office if easier) to ticketing@motherwellfc.co.ukbefore 5pm on Monday 28th November 2011:

The Club will then send a ticket for the Hibernian match on 2nd December 2011 direct to the supporter nominated.

GATE PRICES REDUCED ACROSS THE GROUND

In addition to the above offer, the club have also reduced ticket prices at the turnstile.

ADULTS/CONCESSIONS:

£10

JUVENILES:

£5

*Concessions are listed as Over 60s and a Full Time Students*Juveniles are listed as Under 16s

WE ARE MOTHERWELL FC. TOGETHER WE WILL BE STRONGER. PLAY YOUR PART AND FILL THE STADIUM – NOMINATE A NEW FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER NOW!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

This offer is open to 2011/12 Season Book holders only. Season Book holders can only nominate one supporter each. All nominated supporters will be added to the Motherwell ticketing database. The Season Book holders will be responsible for the conduct and actions of the nominated supporters. Unfortunately due to the numbers involved, it will not be possible for the Ticket Office to move Season Book holders’ seats for this game. Seats will be allocated to nominated supporters on a first come, first served basis. The Club reserves the right to refuse a free ticket to any nominated supporters. Free ticket offer closes at 5pm Monday 28th 2011. Motherwell FC is not responsible for any mail once it has left the Ticket Office.

Archive

TV: McCall reflects on ‘fair’ result

Saturday 26 November 2011

Stuart McCall told MFC TV after today’s match that a draw was a fair reflection on how the afternoon had gone.

A gale-force wind blew round Fir Park for the whole ninety minutes making it practically impossible for either side to play anything like good football.

In the end, it was defences that came out on top as the game ended in stalemate.

“We like playing football, but today we weren’t just playing Dundee United, we were playing the conditions, so you have to use your head a little bit,” he said.

“The second half we played better and started putting balls in the box, but I genuinely thought it was going to be a mistake by either defence that would win it.

“Hutchinson had one where Daly’s got a shot in, that’s hung up in the wind. But today was either going to be 0-0 or a mistake, and we’re thankful it was 0-0.”

Motherwell 0 – 0 Dundee Utd

Motherwell remain in third place in the SPL after drawing a blank against Dundee United at Fir Park.

Neither side could break the deadlock, in a game which was dictated by the swirling wind and rain which engulfed the stadium.

Michael Higdon and Omar Daley had the best chances for Motherwell, while Jon Daly and John Rankin could have won it for Dundee United. However it wasn’t to be and a draw was perhaps a fair result.

Having gone so many games without changing his starting XI, Stuart McCall made a second consecutive rotational change, leaving Jamie Murphy on the bench, in favour of Chris Humphrey, in order to keep the game winning pairing of Michael Higdon and Omar Daley from last week’s victory in Aberdeen. Stephen Hughes had to make do with a place on the bench, on his return to Fir Park.

Peter Houston’s Dundee United side, fresh from a win over Hearts in their last outing, were looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat ‘Well inflicted upon them earlier in the season. Jon Daly took his usual dangerous place up front, with former Steelman Gavin Gunning returning to Fir Park in Tangerine instead of Claret and Amber.

The opening period of the game didn’t produce much in the way of free flowing football as the conditions played havoc with both teams passing and movement. Jon Daly headed wide from a Johnny Russell cross before Michael Higdon’s turn and shot from the edge of the box up the other end had Pernis scrambling to push it wide.

Mackay-Steven was fortunate not to be booked for a challenge from behind on Shaun Hutchinson, after the big defender had got the better of a tussle with the United wide man. Shortly later, he shot straight at Darren Randolph after being played in by Gavin Gunning.

Dundee United earned two quick-fire corners, the second creating a glorious chance for Motherwell to take the lead. Flood’s cleared cross found its way to an unmarked Chris Humphrey, who strode from halfway in to the opposition box. His cross failed to land on Daley’s head, with Lasley volleying well over when the ball landed at his feet.

Michael Higdon thought he had given ‘Well the lead when he poked the ball in from about an inch out, but the ball had gone out off Daley’s back before Humphrey’s cross found the striker via the post.

At the Cooper end, Randolph had to look lively to palm away a point blank Daly volley inside the box. He then had to repeat the action when a slip by Hutchinson allowed the United skipper the same chance. The first half had not quite been end to end, but both sides created chances to have gone in at the break with the lead.

As the second half got underway, Motherwell were using the wind to their advantage and won an early corner. Hammell’s inswinger found the head of Hutchinson, but Pernis got his full body behind it to keep it out. Down the other end, Willo Flood pinged a free kick in to the Well box, which was cleared to John Rankin, but the former Hibs man’s effort was straight at Randolph.

The game had opened up as both teams upped the tempo in search of an opener. United were looking dangerous on their few forward forays, but pressure from the ‘Well midfield mainly kept them hemmed in.

Jamie Murphy entered the fray for Chris Humphrey, as well looked to bolster their attack in the final 15 minutes. A wind assisted throw form Randolph almost played the former Scotland U21 star in, but Dixon got back to knock the ball out. Dalle Valle came on for Mackay-Steven and with his first touch, he almost set up Jon Daly, but a magnificent sliding challenge from Jennings thwarted him just as he was about to pull the trigger.

Jonathan Page replaced Shaun Hutchinson with eight minutes to go, as a draw seemed likely. John Rankin could have altered that with three minutes remaining when Dalle Valle’s slide rule pass played in Flood, but Rankin couldn’t put the former Celtic and Middlesbrough man’s ball on target.

Two minutes later, he once more, tested Randolph with a dipping drive from distance.

It was to be the last real effort of the game, as the match finished all square. The draw keeps the Steelmen in third place, but sees them fall five points behind Celtic in the quest for second place.

1min – The wind and rain are driving in to the Well players faces in the first half, glad I’m in the stands.

KO: The teams emerge in to the tempestuous Saturday afternoon wind and rain, shake hands and get ready for kick off.

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Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“If it had been cancelled at one o’clock I would have been delighted. It was just what I expected. You can play in rain, the pitch is in great nick, but when you get wind over so many miles an hour it just makes it a lottery.

“It can’t have been great for the punters and it certainly wasn’t great for the players. If we had come in and had won 4-0 I would have said the same. I wasn’t looking forward to the game to start with.

“Sometimes you can end up with an exciting game just through mistakes. We certainly haven’t entertained the punters and that’s not the fault of the players.

“It’s easier for us to sit in the stand but when you’re down there, one minute the ball will carry on, then it will swirl, the next minute it will stop. You lose a little bit of confidence on the ball because things aren’t going right. There were some decent passages of play but not enough to merit what it costs to get in.”

Dundee Utd manager Peter Houston:

“We’re asking people to travel from Dundee and leave their homes in Motherwell and pay good money in a time when football is desperate to get as many punters through the door, we’re asking them to watch football in that.

“We had two teams who worked their socks off and tried their hardest, not to play football, because when it came near our box I told our boys to get rid of it and let a mistake happen at the other end.

“But should we be sitting down with the powers-that-be and discussing summer football? Years ago I wasn’t an advocate of summer football but I look at the Irish league from March to November, and the weather for the past two seasons, the snow.

“I’m not for a winter break – I would rather change the season similar to what the Irish do. You are going to play in the summer where people might see a better game than we’ve seen today. We’re asking people to pay a lot of money and the entertainment value, let’s be honest, was fairly rank.

“The wind is the biggest problem. Players love playing in the rain when the surface is slick but as soon as it becomes as windy as that, it’s not conducive to any type of football.”

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Latest eBay auctions listed now

Saturday 26 November 2011

There are some fantastic and unique lots currently up for action on the clubs’ own eBay store.

The club’s official eBay store is full of claret and amber goodies you won’t find anywhere else!

From signed merchandise to hospitality packages and money can’t buy experiences, fans have the chance to get their hands on some exclusive Motherwell memorabilia?

Previous auctions have included match-worn shirts, signed footballs, programmes, tickets, and even sponsor rights. Right now, we have four 2010/11 training kits (Nick Blackman, Angelis Charalambous, Steve Jones and Jonathan Page), 3 signed European jerseys issued for the match versus Breidablik (Darren Randolph, Shaun Hutchinson and Steven Hammell and three incredible items, signed match worn boots previously belonging to Gavin Gunning, a 2010/11 Scottish Cup Final ‘Blood shirt’ and a Cup Final warm-up and tracksuit top.

Dundee United programme preview

‘Well host Dundee Utd tomorrow and if you are coming to the match, don’t forget to pick up a matchday programme.

With a new editorial team and a new producer in Curtis Sport, the 64-page magazine has been a hit with fans in our nine home games and this edition should be another not to miss.

What’s inside? Well, manager Stuart McCall talks about the difficulties of facing Dundee United, his desire to improve on performances at Fir Park and the aims for the up-coming weeks and months.

Skipper Stephen Craigan gives an excellent topical view of Scottish football and examines recent highs and lows in the SPL from a players’ point of view and there is a superb interview with midfield maestro Steve Jennings. Andy Ross caught up with the Scouser, discussing matching the exploits on the road in North Lanarkshire, his decision to stay at Motherwell last summer and catching up with an old pal…

There is a special 12-page section dedicated to our visitors, Dundee Utd. Not only is there a rundown of the current squad and a review of the season so far, we get the views of Arab Evan Rattray and Peter Elder remembers a 4-2 win against theTerrors from 2004.

And that’s not all. As well as match reports from both the Celtic and Aberdeen matches, regular features such as The Travelling Fan with Yir Elder, On This Day with Graham Barnstaple and we also look at Stephen Craigan at the Tesco Bank Football Challenge and a further look at the Scottish Cup draw.

Wait, there’s more! Andy Meek is the latest to take part in our ‘FANATICS’ series. We have the latest from the Under 19s, The Ticket Office, the Commercial Department and the latest stats, facts and figures for the 2011/2012 campaign.

The programme is available for £3 and is currently on sale from the Club Shop and Jack Daniels as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

Archive

TV: McCall expects improved United

Friday 25 November 2011

Stuart McCall has told MFC TV he expects an extremely tough test against a much-improved Dundee United tomorrow.

The Arabs went through a transitional summer, losing quality players such as David Goodwillie, Prince Bauben, Morgaro Gomis and Craig Conway. That made for a somewhat inconsistent start to the season as Peter Houston set about rebuilding his side.

However, in recent weeks, they look back to their best with their attacking players getting goals and the defence, led by former ‘Well loanee Gavin Gunning, proving much more assured and stubborn.

“This is a Dundee United side much improved in recent weeks,” McCall said.

“I was at their last away game at Ibrox and although they lost the game, they were unlucky not to win, never mind pick up a point. Actually, since Houstie was getting that ridiculous criticism a month or so ago, with rumours in the paper of him leaving United, they’ve had a great win against Dunfermline, an excellent performance at Ibrox and a really solid win over Hearts.

“They will come to Fir Park today full of spirit I am sure of that.

“But we have to be on the hunt for all three points, there’s no doubt about that. I said after the Aberdeen game, when people asked me about Rangers dropping points that we’re looking to consolidate where we are and identify teams who could challenge for that spot. Dundee united come in to that category, so three points today are desirable to keep them further behind us.”

U19s game with Inverness postponed

Motherwell’s U19s match away to Inverness has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Heavy overnight rain all across Scotland has made conditions at the Highland Football Academy very difficult and the match was called off just after 9am this morning.

No date has, as yet, been scheduled for the rearranged fixture.

The U19s are back in action this coming Tuesday when they face another away trip, this time to Hibs’ training camp. Kick-off is at 1pm.

Archive

‘Well help kids get safety message

Thursday 24 November 2011

An interactive website highlighting internet safety to children has been developed by Motherwell Football Club and North Lanarkshire Council.

The site features an animated boy who takes children through five golden rules to stay safe on-line, as well as advice and tips on other web activities including social networking, chat rooms and cyber bullying.

Motherwell FC developed the web site as part of their Community Programme in partnership with the council’s child protection team.

Stevie Kirk, former MFC player and now Business Development Manager with the club’s Community Trust, features on the web site.

“We’ll be taking the internet safety message out to all primary schools in North Lanarkshire as part of our community programme,” Stevie explained. “We hope that through kids’ interest in football, we can help promote the importance of staying safe on-line.

[pullquote]We hope that through kids’ interest in football, we can help promote the importance of staying safe on-line.[/pullquote]

“Chat rooms, gaming and social networking sites are now so popular with children of all ages and there can be dangers out there if children aren’t careful in how they use the technology. Our web site gives practical tips on protecting yourself, like using a nickname, never arranging to meet people they have ‘spoken’ to on-line and not giving out personal details.”

Speaking at the launch of the web site, Gavin Whitefield, Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council, said internet safety was a key priority for the council’s Child Protection Committee.

He said: “With mobiles, laptops and electronic games all giving children instant access to the internet, parents and professionals are concerned about their safety on-line. This has been reflected in the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2010 which identifies online safety as part of the safeguarding agenda for all child protection committees.

“We have worked closely with Motherwell FC on various issues, including the Choose Life suicide prevention campaign. So when we approached them about our on-line safety work, they immediately offered their support. It is a great opportunity to use football to get these important messages across to children and parents and I would like to thank the Club for its support.”